All Blacks World Cup-winning coach Graham Henry will join the Blues management for next year’s Super Rugby season.

The former New Zealand boss joins head coach John Kirwan’s management team, and will take over the defensive duties. This is the same role he had the last time he worked with the Blues in 2003 – the season when the Auckland franchise won the Super 12 title.

All Blacks skills coach Mick Byrne is a major coup too, and he’ll take charge of the forwards and mentor the kicking. Former Australian rugby league player Grant Doorey, who assisted Kirwan during his time with the Japanese national team, is also signed on as the backline coach.

‘I’m thrilled with this coaching team. The experience and individual expertise these three men offer is exciting for me as head coach, for the Blues and our supporters,’ said Kirwan. ‘We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us but I believe the combination of this coaching group puts the Blues in good hands for 2013.’